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If you read this blog, you’ll know that I’ve been working on building a fireplace mantle with my Dad. Well it’s finished! I’m going to post the first section of the process here and then I’ll post the completed one in another post tomorrow. So here we go!

Part 1: Building the frame and adding the panels.

My initial Sketch for the design and my Dad and Stepmom checking out the wood at Home Depot.

My sketch and photo reference for the mantle. I wanted mine kinda skinny since my living room isn’t huge. All in all – we spent about $130 on some really nice wood for the mantle. We got it cut down at Home Depot (they do it for free) so it would fit in the car and then we were off to get started!

The frame and the final product. And yes, I'm actually cutting stuff - I like learning how to work all the tools.

We slowly put the frame together – followed by the panels. Dad came up with a pretty ingenious way to showcase the joints by routing out all along the edges of the frame so the panels “rested” into them. The end result was some extra details in the design. The above shot was taken before we had the rest of the decorative trim on which you’ll see….. in the next post! We did some finishing nails to hold the panels in and wood glue for extra support.

Next up is part 2 with priming and distressing.

(Not sure how much you want to read on the details but I’m happy to answer any questions about what we did 🙂 )

Onto another topic however: Outdoor Fabric. I’ve been all over planet earth looking for fabric for my cushions I’m recovering outside. Thought I’d post it here to see what you all think… ok. So here is a sketch I did really quickly of the pillow “arrangement”. Really original I know 🙂

Porch Pillow Sketch - I have about 50 of these things scribbled in my purse... lol!

And the next image is two ideas I came up with for color combinations. The wicker is kind of dirty white right now but I want to paint it a soft gray/brown.

My favorite part is the trim. My cat's are going to luv it... oh boy.

So that’s what I have stewing in my head. Which one do you all like better?

All in all I’ve been frustrated with the amount (or lack of) outdoor fabric I’ve found online. Plus – it’s all pretty pricey or unoriginal. What’s a girl to do??

Mr. Coote, this is everyone. I’ve been meaning to make the introductions since last week but of course time got away form me. Sorry! Dave Coote is a furniture and interiors designer in the UK. He has been running a successful design studio for nearly 20 years producing furniture, interiors, products and photographic sets.

Other news today? We had snow today again (wow) in Atlanta. I’m just ready for Spring!

My throat hurts! Oww…. went to the doctor today and turns out I have some kind of viral infection. Fun! Anyway – I’m on meds now and am hoping for a speedy recovery.

I took some time today after I got home to put together my homework for week three of my blog course. It’s sort of a self-portrait of what our blog is supposed to be about. The fun part is that I don’t realize what exactly is going to make it onto the design or not. So my final elements pleasantly surprised me! It’s a little travel, a little photography and a lot of home-made. We were supposed to use a manila folder but I always jot stuff down in my sketchbook I keep handy and decided that would be more appropriate for this. Enjoy!

A few details if you’re interested:

1) The handwritten letter is from my step-mom Mignon. She has given me some of the best letters and puts so much thought into them.

2) The sketches are some quick ones I had lying around. The colored costume is a concept I was working on for a Mad Hatter costume… more burlesque though 🙂

3) The pad of paper to the right is an old exposure recording notebook my Mom gave to me when I was first learning about cameras.

4) Colored pencils are my quick medium of choice when I’m sketching out an idea or drawing. They’re always lying around on my desk.

5) The photographs are from various places I’ve been. The coins are also from different travels.

Well I hope everyone else is having a great Friday. Mine is off to an interesting start! I lost control on some ice this morning and 360’d my way through some cars (didn’t hit anyone though). Whew! Anyway… I’d like to share the whimsical prints from vol25’s Etsy Shop! So cute and fun don’t you think? I love the range of type used… but then again I have a serious attraction to Typography!!

I navigated my way to the web to find this project featured on Mr. Peacock. Basically it lists all the instructions/materials for adhering different images onto a surface. I’m thinking of doing something in my office however my problem lies in the fact that my walls are covered in wood panels… painted… but still wood. I’m afraid the ceiling would be too much. Maybe around my light fixture….

john derian’s decoupaged entry hall from 1st dibs style compass

Here’s another piece of eye candy. I guess this would also be a decoupage of sorts… or would it be considered wallpaper?

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A little about…

Hello! My name is Ashley and I'm a graphic designer/art enthusiast in Atlanta. This little corner of the web is dedicated to my musings on art, design, and different projects around the house from painting furniture to fabric shopping. Thank you so much for visiting! Enjoy!